"The Bucks can take top spot on Monday night at Barwell"

Match Date : September 23rd, 2024 7:45 pm
Competition : Southern League Premier Central
Ground : Kirkby Road Sports Ground, Kirkby Rd, Barwell, Leicester LE9 8FQ
Kick Off : 19:45

The Bucks make a swift return to action when Kevin Wilkin takes his men to Barwell on Monday night.

After a decent start to last season, the Canaries’ campaign petered out after Christmas as inconsistent form saw them lodged in mid-table and they ultimately finished 14th. Barwell were, perhaps, not helped by the departures of manager Ian King, who left to join neighbours Coalville Town in February, and star forward Beck-Ray Enoru, who departed for National League North champions Tamworth at the beginning of March.

Following King’s departure, Jimmy Ginnelly was placed in interim charge before being confirmed as permanent boss in March. Most recently with Nuneaton, Ginnelly previously had an eight-year spell in charge of Barwell between 2010 and 2018.

Since his arrival, Ginnelly has brought in some of his former Nuneaton charges, including experienced defenders Lathaniel Rowe-Turner and Scott McManus and forward Leroy Lita. Captain Brady Hickey remains the Canaries’ key man, while former Buck Ethan Hill provides energy in midfield and recently bagged a goal direct from a corner in Barwell’s FA Cup clash at Buxton.

However, despite the arrival of summer reinforcements, the Canaries began the current campaign with three defeats in a row. They have picked up one win and three draws in their five league games since, which leaves the Leicestershire side currently occupying the final relegation spot on six points.

Over recent seasons, Barwell have consistently picked up more of their points on home soil. Last season, the Canaries picked up 33 of their 51 points at Kirkby Road, including three points from a 3-1 win over the Bucks in August 2023. Kevin Wilkin’s men won 2-1 when the sides subsequently met in December.

The Bucks have been in fine form in the league of late. Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Sudbury did bring an end to the Bucks’ five-match winning run, but the hard-fought point extended the unbeaten run to six and lifted Wilkin’s men up to 2nd in the table. And as Barwell play their midweek home games on a Monday night, the Bucks would go top with a win at Kirkby Road.

MATCHDAY INFORMATION

Website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/barwell

Ground Address: Kirkby Road, Barwell, Leicester, LE9 8FQ